Mid-Iowa Drug Task Force deputies arrested three people in connection with the case: Nicholas Ramirez-Martinez, 44, of Marshalltown, Rene Fernandez, 49, of San Luis, Ariz., and Francisco Salgado-Aguirre, 47, of Yuma, Ariz., the Times Republican reported.

Authorities told the newspaper that they seized 20 pounds of methamphetamine and $60,000 in cash.

Ramirez-Martinez is charged with possession of meth with intent to deliver, failure to affix drug tax stamp and prohibited acts.

Salgado-Aguirre and Fernandez were charged with conspiracy to distribute meth.

Marshall County deputies said it's one of the largest, most significant drug seizures in decades. The drugs were worth about $1 million.

However, the seizure is also proof that the meth problem in rural Iowa is still an issue.

Officials said Fernandez and Salgado-Aguirre were arrested without incident, as well.

"This type of meth is not home- grown-- not a mom-and-pop lab. This is meth that comes from super-labs in the deserts of Mexico and the southwest United States, where they produce 50 to 100 pounds at a time," Tecklenburg said.

All three men are in custody and are expected to appear in court this week. Additional arrests are pending.

Marshalltown police officers and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents also assisted in the investigation.

If convicted of all charges, each of the three men faces 50 years or more in prison.